| NORTHERN ONTARIO AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION |
There are no upcoming events
at this time. Please check back
soon. For past industry events,
see below.
CAIA Seafood Roadshow
Toronto, ON
September 30, 2009
Farmed Seafood Extravaganza
Great Lakes and Seafood Make
a Nice Match
BNN talks to Ruth Salmon,
Executive Director of the
Canadian Aquaculture Industry
Alliance for more insight into the
fish farming industry in Canada,
and to Patrick McMurray, owner
of Starfish Restaurant in
Toronto, ON and host of the
CAIA Seafood Roadshow:
Watch the clip here.
NOAA presents Strategy for
Sustainable Aquaculture
Development in Ontario to
Minister of Natural Resources
before general release in
October 2009
Toronto, ON
September 28, 2009
Freshwater Cage Aquaculture
Demonstration Farm Workshop
Sudbury, ON
Sept 25, 2009
National Aquaculture Strategic
Action Plan Initiative
(NASAPI) - Strengthening
Sustainable Aquaculture
Development In Canada
Regional Workshop - Ontario
Sudbury, ON
September 24, 2009
at this time. Please check back
soon. For past industry events,
see below.
CAIA Seafood Roadshow
Toronto, ON
September 30, 2009
Farmed Seafood Extravaganza
Great Lakes and Seafood Make
a Nice Match
BNN talks to Ruth Salmon,
Executive Director of the
Canadian Aquaculture Industry
Alliance for more insight into the
fish farming industry in Canada,
and to Patrick McMurray, owner
of Starfish Restaurant in
Toronto, ON and host of the
CAIA Seafood Roadshow:
Watch the clip here.
NOAA presents Strategy for
Sustainable Aquaculture
Development in Ontario to
Minister of Natural Resources
before general release in
October 2009
Toronto, ON
September 28, 2009
Freshwater Cage Aquaculture
Demonstration Farm Workshop
Sudbury, ON
Sept 25, 2009
National Aquaculture Strategic
Action Plan Initiative
(NASAPI) - Strengthening
Sustainable Aquaculture
Development In Canada
Regional Workshop - Ontario
Sudbury, ON
September 24, 2009
| Aquaculture In The News |
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| Industry Events |
| 2009 Fall Aquaculture Tour |
The annual tour is organized
in conjunction with OMAFRA’
s Aquaculture Specialist for
industry regulators, non-
governmental organizations,
academics and other
industry stakeholders.
in conjunction with OMAFRA’
s Aquaculture Specialist for
industry regulators, non-
governmental organizations,
academics and other
industry stakeholders.
This years' tour included visits
to:
to:
- Alma Research Station, Alma ON
- Blue Jay Creek Fish Culture
Station, Tekhummah ON - Meeker's Aquaculture,
Evansville ON - Fisher Harbour (Cold Water
Fisheries Inc.) Little LaCloche
Island ON - North Wind Fisheries Ltd.,
Great LaCloche Island ON
© Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association 2009-2011 Updated June 30, 2011 Contact Webmaster |
Canada's $2.1 billion aquaculture industry has become a magnet for women seeking full-time, year round
employment. Canadian Women Claiming Their Place in Aquaculture (Financial Post, June 10, 2011)
Consumers of seafood may know if their seafood is wild-caught or farmed, but how many know aquaculture's
impact on the environment? A new report published by World Fish Center and Conservation International
sets out to address that question and more. The report is called "Blue Frontiers". Read Are Fish Farms Eco-
Friendly? (CNN World, June 14, 2011)
More evidence of links between fish and good health Two more reports extolling the good health - and
sometimes life-saving benefits - of eating fish have just been published. The first says that fish oils could
protect women from breast cancer. The second finds that men who eat fish regularly live longer.
(FISHupdate.com, 28 July 2010)
Who is Funding the Hype? So, why all the fuss about fish farming – especially salmon farming? Who’s funding
this and why? Is controversy over salmon farming being deliberately manufactured as part of a marketing
strategy courtesy of a few wealthy US Foundations determined to discredit farm-raised salmon? Posted with
permission from Aquaculture North America.
Aquaculture - The Future of Farming the Water
CBC's Bob McDonald interviewed Gord Cole of Aqua-cage Fisheries Ltd. for an episode that aired June 19,
2010 on CBC Radio One "Quirks & Quarks. Listen here: CBC Radio One "Quirks & Quarks" June 19, 2010
Farmed fish use less wild fish Canada: The popular notion that in order to produce a kilo of farmed fish like
salmon you have to use more than one kilo of wild fish generally holds true, but compare that to the
production of wild fish, and the farmed variety looks pretty good. (FishFarmingXpert.com, 25 May 2010)
The hot topic at AAC 2010 was sustainability and certification standards. Leading the push are the major
retail stores, who want a system in place by the end of 2012. Jose Villalon, the Director of Aquaculture for
World Wildlife Fund - US was the keynote speaker at AAC 2010. He spoke about certifications and the WWF's
Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Read Certification On It's Way, Canadian Conference Told (TheFishSite.
com, Wednesday May 19, 2010)
There has been much interest in hog farm conversions to land-based aquaculture facilities. Brian Lockhart
writes about a model farm underway in Manitoba. Read the story here. (Better Farming, Feb 2010)
The WWF is one of the certification programs the Ontario aquaculture industry is considering. If you haven't
been following along, the WWF's Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) is working to identify better
management practices (BMPs) to reduce the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture; to develop BMP-
based screens for investors, buyers, and even government regulation and permitting systems; and to
develop BMP-based aquaculture certification programs for key species. continue reading
Fisheries and aquaculture: multiple risks from climate change (11 December 2009) A United Nations Fisheries
& Aquaculture Organization report predicts "an ocean of change" for fishers and fish farmers. Marine capture
fisheries already facing multiple challenges due to overfishing, habitat loss and weak management are poorly
positioned to cope with new problems stemming from climate change, a new FAO study suggests.
"Farm raised rainbow trout has a clean environmental record" says Laura Bankey, Manager of Conservation
for the Baltimore Aquarium. John Shields brings fresh thoughts to trout: Aquarium dining series focuses on
sustainable seafood. (The Baltimore Sun, Nov. 4)
"...there are no major issues here regarding the industry... We, as an industry, have been very diligent in
ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed. We need clean, healthy water if we are going to
produce a quality product." The NOAA address environmental concerns and discusses positive advances in
the Ontario aquaculture sector in the Manitoulin Expositor article by Michael Erskine. The Manitoulin Expositor,
Nov.25) (PDF version)
Now more than ever it makes sense for concerned consumers to buy local. A cross country DNA probe shows
one-quarter of fresh and frozen samples were not as advertised. Read the investigative report At The Fish
Counter You May Not Get What You Pay For (Toronto Star, Nov.11).
Good news for farmed rainbow trout! Farmed rainbow trout has made the 'Super Green List' as the Monterey
Bay Aquarium updates their Seafood Watch seafood guide. Farmed Arctic Charr is on the 'Other Healthy -
Best Choices' list. Read 'The Super Green List: Connecting Human and Ocean Health'.Ontario farm-raised
rainbow trout is a fresh, healthy and environmentally responsible option. Ask for it by name at your local
seafood counter.
Ministers Determined to Maximise Aquatic Potential (www.thefishsite.com, Oct.15)
Freshwater cage aquaculture is included in Ontario's Proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, released
October 23, 2009. The plan recognizes that "Northern Ontario's freshwater cage aquaculture industry is the
largest in Canada and has opportunity to expand production while ensuring environmental stewardship".
Greg Mercer writes a good fish story! (Guelph Mercury, Oct.27)
US Restaurants turn to trout instead of salmon. (The San Francisco Chronicle, Oct.22)
MNR Minister Backs Aquaculture Expansion. The Manitoulin West Recorder (Oct.16)
Aquaculture Feeds the World. The world is eating more fish every day. The United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) predicts that by 2030, global consumption of fish will have grown by 70%
relative to 2009. The reality of increased reliance on aquaculture to meet growing demand is supported by a
recent study in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS),'
which states that one-half of all seafood consumed is now cultured. Read the complete transcript of Dr. Tony
Farrell's CBC radio interview. Dr. Farrell is Chair of Sustainable Aquaculture at UBC and is one of the study's
authors.
Fish Feed Data Inaccuracies. In a recent seafood.com article, the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil
Organization (IFFO) addresses what they consider to be important feed-related inaccuracies stemming from
the PNAS report above.
Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaws) makes a commitment to source all seafood sold in its retail locations
from sustainable seafood sources by the end of 2013. They will be working with WWF.
Unaccountable Advocacy, an article by British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association's Executive Director, Mary
Ellen Walling, in online news source 'The Mark' provides insight into food and technology scares and the big
business behind them.
McGuinty government supports freshwater industry.
employment. Canadian Women Claiming Their Place in Aquaculture (Financial Post, June 10, 2011)
Consumers of seafood may know if their seafood is wild-caught or farmed, but how many know aquaculture's
impact on the environment? A new report published by World Fish Center and Conservation International
sets out to address that question and more. The report is called "Blue Frontiers". Read Are Fish Farms Eco-
Friendly? (CNN World, June 14, 2011)
More evidence of links between fish and good health Two more reports extolling the good health - and
sometimes life-saving benefits - of eating fish have just been published. The first says that fish oils could
protect women from breast cancer. The second finds that men who eat fish regularly live longer.
(FISHupdate.com, 28 July 2010)
Who is Funding the Hype? So, why all the fuss about fish farming – especially salmon farming? Who’s funding
this and why? Is controversy over salmon farming being deliberately manufactured as part of a marketing
strategy courtesy of a few wealthy US Foundations determined to discredit farm-raised salmon? Posted with
permission from Aquaculture North America.
Aquaculture - The Future of Farming the Water
CBC's Bob McDonald interviewed Gord Cole of Aqua-cage Fisheries Ltd. for an episode that aired June 19,
2010 on CBC Radio One "Quirks & Quarks. Listen here: CBC Radio One "Quirks & Quarks" June 19, 2010
Farmed fish use less wild fish Canada: The popular notion that in order to produce a kilo of farmed fish like
salmon you have to use more than one kilo of wild fish generally holds true, but compare that to the
production of wild fish, and the farmed variety looks pretty good. (FishFarmingXpert.com, 25 May 2010)
The hot topic at AAC 2010 was sustainability and certification standards. Leading the push are the major
retail stores, who want a system in place by the end of 2012. Jose Villalon, the Director of Aquaculture for
World Wildlife Fund - US was the keynote speaker at AAC 2010. He spoke about certifications and the WWF's
Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Read Certification On It's Way, Canadian Conference Told (TheFishSite.
com, Wednesday May 19, 2010)
There has been much interest in hog farm conversions to land-based aquaculture facilities. Brian Lockhart
writes about a model farm underway in Manitoba. Read the story here. (Better Farming, Feb 2010)
The WWF is one of the certification programs the Ontario aquaculture industry is considering. If you haven't
been following along, the WWF's Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) is working to identify better
management practices (BMPs) to reduce the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture; to develop BMP-
based screens for investors, buyers, and even government regulation and permitting systems; and to
develop BMP-based aquaculture certification programs for key species. continue reading
Fisheries and aquaculture: multiple risks from climate change (11 December 2009) A United Nations Fisheries
& Aquaculture Organization report predicts "an ocean of change" for fishers and fish farmers. Marine capture
fisheries already facing multiple challenges due to overfishing, habitat loss and weak management are poorly
positioned to cope with new problems stemming from climate change, a new FAO study suggests.
"Farm raised rainbow trout has a clean environmental record" says Laura Bankey, Manager of Conservation
for the Baltimore Aquarium. John Shields brings fresh thoughts to trout: Aquarium dining series focuses on
sustainable seafood. (The Baltimore Sun, Nov. 4)
"...there are no major issues here regarding the industry... We, as an industry, have been very diligent in
ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed. We need clean, healthy water if we are going to
produce a quality product." The NOAA address environmental concerns and discusses positive advances in
the Ontario aquaculture sector in the Manitoulin Expositor article by Michael Erskine. The Manitoulin Expositor,
Nov.25) (PDF version)
Now more than ever it makes sense for concerned consumers to buy local. A cross country DNA probe shows
one-quarter of fresh and frozen samples were not as advertised. Read the investigative report At The Fish
Counter You May Not Get What You Pay For (Toronto Star, Nov.11).
Good news for farmed rainbow trout! Farmed rainbow trout has made the 'Super Green List' as the Monterey
Bay Aquarium updates their Seafood Watch seafood guide. Farmed Arctic Charr is on the 'Other Healthy -
Best Choices' list. Read 'The Super Green List: Connecting Human and Ocean Health'.Ontario farm-raised
rainbow trout is a fresh, healthy and environmentally responsible option. Ask for it by name at your local
seafood counter.
Ministers Determined to Maximise Aquatic Potential (www.thefishsite.com, Oct.15)
Freshwater cage aquaculture is included in Ontario's Proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, released
October 23, 2009. The plan recognizes that "Northern Ontario's freshwater cage aquaculture industry is the
largest in Canada and has opportunity to expand production while ensuring environmental stewardship".
Greg Mercer writes a good fish story! (Guelph Mercury, Oct.27)
US Restaurants turn to trout instead of salmon. (The San Francisco Chronicle, Oct.22)
MNR Minister Backs Aquaculture Expansion. The Manitoulin West Recorder (Oct.16)
Aquaculture Feeds the World. The world is eating more fish every day. The United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) predicts that by 2030, global consumption of fish will have grown by 70%
relative to 2009. The reality of increased reliance on aquaculture to meet growing demand is supported by a
recent study in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS),'
which states that one-half of all seafood consumed is now cultured. Read the complete transcript of Dr. Tony
Farrell's CBC radio interview. Dr. Farrell is Chair of Sustainable Aquaculture at UBC and is one of the study's
authors.
Fish Feed Data Inaccuracies. In a recent seafood.com article, the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil
Organization (IFFO) addresses what they consider to be important feed-related inaccuracies stemming from
the PNAS report above.
Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaws) makes a commitment to source all seafood sold in its retail locations
from sustainable seafood sources by the end of 2013. They will be working with WWF.
Unaccountable Advocacy, an article by British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association's Executive Director, Mary
Ellen Walling, in online news source 'The Mark' provides insight into food and technology scares and the big
business behind them.
McGuinty government supports freshwater industry.
27 June 2011
Manitoulin Fish Farmer wins second Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation
Excellence for Innovative Submersible Cage Design
The Board of Directors of the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) is pleased to announce that
Meeker’s Aquaculture, of Evansville, has won a second regional Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation
Excellence. The honour was awarded to Mike Meeker at an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs ceremony in Sturgeon Falls on Monday June 27th.
On-farm innovations are helping Ontario farmers provide more of the healthy food that is grown, processed,
and sold across the province. Ontario's local farmers are using innovative ideas that drive our local economies
and strengthen our agri-food industry.
“We are very proud of Mike and all of his environmentally conscious achievements,” said Karen Tracey,
Executive Director of the NOAA. “Mike is a true ambassador for the aquaculture industry and an excellent
example of a very innovative entrepreneur that gets the job done while improving the ecosystems around his
farm operation.”
Winters in Ontario can be a real challenge, but Meeker’s Aquaculture has found a way to keep ice damage at
bay. They’ve modified a commercial cage system for their fish farm that can be lowered by a pulley-system
below the ice. It eliminates the risk of wind-driven ice movements that destroy fish cages and cause economic
and environmental losses for farmers. The new system can be lowered in two hours and remain three to four
feet under the ice surface for up to 28 days, with no damage or loss of fish. It has been adopted by other fish
farms and influenced the manufacture and design of new cage systems. This innovative solution is casting a
wider net of opportunity for cage fish farming expansion into Lake Huron and other
areas where ice damage would normally be prohibitive.
“I only do what any other fish farmer does, adapt to changing conditions and make my farm more
environmentally responsible however I can,” Mike modestly states. “The whole Ontario trout industry is
always looking for ways to improve our farm operations and operate in an environmentally sustainable
manner while at the same time providing a healthy food choice and much needed economic activity in rural
northern communities.”
Ontario is the largest trout producer in Canada and the NOAA represents about 90% of the rainbow trout
production in Ontario, including mainly small and medium sized businesses. The aquaculture industry
contributes approximately $65 million to the province’s annual economy and 260 full time jobs. In consultation
with all levels of
government, industry, First Nations, ENGOs, academia and all other stakeholders, the NOAA has completed a
“Strategy for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Ontario”. The Strategy presents a rational approach to
'sustainable development' by balancing economic prosperity with environmental protection and social well-
being.
For more information, visit Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
Manitoulin Fish Farmer wins second Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation
Excellence for Innovative Submersible Cage Design
The Board of Directors of the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) is pleased to announce that
Meeker’s Aquaculture, of Evansville, has won a second regional Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation
Excellence. The honour was awarded to Mike Meeker at an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs ceremony in Sturgeon Falls on Monday June 27th.
On-farm innovations are helping Ontario farmers provide more of the healthy food that is grown, processed,
and sold across the province. Ontario's local farmers are using innovative ideas that drive our local economies
and strengthen our agri-food industry.
“We are very proud of Mike and all of his environmentally conscious achievements,” said Karen Tracey,
Executive Director of the NOAA. “Mike is a true ambassador for the aquaculture industry and an excellent
example of a very innovative entrepreneur that gets the job done while improving the ecosystems around his
farm operation.”
Winters in Ontario can be a real challenge, but Meeker’s Aquaculture has found a way to keep ice damage at
bay. They’ve modified a commercial cage system for their fish farm that can be lowered by a pulley-system
below the ice. It eliminates the risk of wind-driven ice movements that destroy fish cages and cause economic
and environmental losses for farmers. The new system can be lowered in two hours and remain three to four
feet under the ice surface for up to 28 days, with no damage or loss of fish. It has been adopted by other fish
farms and influenced the manufacture and design of new cage systems. This innovative solution is casting a
wider net of opportunity for cage fish farming expansion into Lake Huron and other
areas where ice damage would normally be prohibitive.
“I only do what any other fish farmer does, adapt to changing conditions and make my farm more
environmentally responsible however I can,” Mike modestly states. “The whole Ontario trout industry is
always looking for ways to improve our farm operations and operate in an environmentally sustainable
manner while at the same time providing a healthy food choice and much needed economic activity in rural
northern communities.”
Ontario is the largest trout producer in Canada and the NOAA represents about 90% of the rainbow trout
production in Ontario, including mainly small and medium sized businesses. The aquaculture industry
contributes approximately $65 million to the province’s annual economy and 260 full time jobs. In consultation
with all levels of
government, industry, First Nations, ENGOs, academia and all other stakeholders, the NOAA has completed a
“Strategy for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Ontario”. The Strategy presents a rational approach to
'sustainable development' by balancing economic prosperity with environmental protection and social well-
being.
For more information, visit Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
NOAA works with various agencies, universities and research facilities to continually improve industry
processes and products. Here's a good read about the Alma Aquaculture Research Facility from the Guelph
Mercury (8 Sept 2011): Aquaculture Expertise Cultivated in the Heart of Corn Country
processes and products. Here's a good read about the Alma Aquaculture Research Facility from the Guelph
Mercury (8 Sept 2011): Aquaculture Expertise Cultivated in the Heart of Corn Country